Aortic Surgery

What is Aortic Surgery (Aneurysm Repair)?

Aortic surgery is performed to treat aortic aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges or enlargements in the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If left untreated, an aneurysm can rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.

• Aortic Aneurysm Repair involves surgically repairing or replacing the damaged part of the aorta to prevent rupture and restore normal blood flow.

Who Needs Aortic Surgery (Aneurysm Repair)?

Aortic surgery is typically recommended for individuals with:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): An aneurysm in the abdominal part of the aorta.
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: An aneurysm in the chest region of the aorta.
• Aneurysms Larger than 5.5 cm: Aneurysms of this size are more likely to rupture and require surgical intervention.
• Fast-Growing Aneurysms: Rapidly growing aneurysms that increase the risk of rupture.
• Previous Family History: Individuals with a family history of aneurysms are at higher risk

Symptoms Requiring Aortic Surgery
Some symptoms that may indicate the need for aortic aneurysm surgery include:

• Sudden, severe chest or abdominal pain.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• A pulsating feeling in the abdomen.
• Back pain or pressure, especially in the lower back.
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting (signs of rupture).

Types of Aortic Surgery

1. Open Aortic Surgery
   • Purpose: This is a traditional approach to repairing the aorta and is typically used for large aneurysms.
   • Procedure: Involves a large incision in the abdomen or chest to access the aorta, where the aneurysm is repaired or replaced with a synthetic graft.
   • Advantages: Suitable for larger aneurysms, with long-term effectiveness.
2. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
   • Purpose: A minimally invasive procedure for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
   • Procedure: A catheter is inserted through the groin and guided to the aorta, where a stent graft is placed to reinforce the weakened vessel wall.
   • Advantages: Smaller incisions, shorter recovery time, less pain, and faster return to normal activities.

Procedure Overview

• For Open Aortic Surgery:
  • Preparation: Preoperative tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and blood tests. Fasting is required before surgery.
  • During Surgery: The surgeon makes an incision to access the aorta and repairs the aneurysm using a graft or by removing the damaged portion.
  • Post-Surgery: Patients are monitored in the ICU for the first few days. A catheter is placed to help drain urine and may be removed after 1-2 days.
• For Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR):
  • Preparation: Detailed imaging tests like CT scans to map the aneurysm. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
  • During Surgery: A catheter is inserted through the groin and guided to the aneurysm site. A stent graft is deployed to reinforce the aorta.
  • Post-Surgery: A shorter recovery period, with patients generally able to return home within 1-2 days.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

• Robotic-Assisted Aortic Surgery: Using robotic systems for high-precision, minimally invasive aortic repair, offering enhanced visualization and smaller incisions.
• Hybrid Techniques: Combining endovascular repair with open surgery in complex cases.
• Custom Stent Grafts: Use of personalized stent grafts designed to fit the specific shape of the aneurysm.

Post-Surgery Care

• For Open Surgery:
  • Hospitalization for 5-7 days for recovery. Pain management is important, and physical therapy may be needed to regain strength.
  • Patients should avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion for at least 6-8 weeks.
• For Endovascular Surgery:
  • Shorter hospital stay, with most patients discharged within 1-2 days.
  • Regular follow-ups for imaging tests to monitor the stent graft and ensure its stability.

Why Choose India for Aortic Surgery?

• Expert Surgeons: Access to some of the best vascular and cardiovascular surgeons in the world, with expertise in both open and endovascular procedures.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Cutting-edge surgical tools, robotic-assisted surgery, and stent graft technology are available.
• Affordable Treatment: Aortic surgery in India is significantly more affordable than in Western countries, without compromising on quality.
• Personalized Care: Tailored treatment plans with high levels of patient care and comfort.
• Lower Risk of Complications: India’s surgeons are highly skilled in reducing risks related to aortic surgeries.

Why Choose Healtour Solutions?

• Leading Hospitals: Healtour Solutions partners with top-rated hospitals in India that specialize in advanced aortic surgery techniques.
• Comprehensive Assistance: From consultation to post-surgical care, Healtour Solutions offers end-to-end services including travel, accommodation, and 24/7 patient support.
• Affordable Packages: Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring patients get high-quality care at competitive prices.
• Personalized Services: Tailored packages that cover all medical, travel, and accommodation needs for international patients.

Benefits of Aortic Surgery

• Prevention of Rupture: Surgery helps prevent the aneurysm from rupturing, which can be life-threatening.
• Improved Quality of Life: After repair, patients experience a significant improvement in quality of life, with fewer symptoms and better overall health.
• Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive procedures like EVAR result in faster recovery and fewer complications.
• Long-Term Survival: Surgery provides a higher long-term survival rate, especially for patients with larger or rapidly growing aneurysms.

FAQs

1. What is an aortic aneurysm?
   An aortic aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of a portion of the aorta, which can rupture if not treated.
2. How is an aortic aneurysm treated?
   Aortic aneurysms are treated via surgery, either through open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
3. Is EVAR surgery safe?
   Yes, EVAR is a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure with a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.
4. How long does recovery take after aortic surgery?
   Recovery from open surgery can take 6-8 weeks, while EVAR typically requires a shorter recovery period of 1-2 weeks.
5. Are there risks involved with aortic surgery?
   Risks include infection, bleeding, stroke, or complications related to anesthesia, though these are minimized with advanced techniques.
6. What is the success rate of aortic surgery?
   The success rate for aortic surgery is high, with long-term survival rates improving after treatment, especially for EVAR.
7. How soon can I resume normal activities after surgery?
   For EVAR, patients can typically resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks, while open surgery requires more recovery time.
8. What are the long-term benefits of aortic surgery?
   Surgery prevents the risk of aneurysm rupture, reduces symptoms, and improves life expectancy.
9. Will I need follow-up care after surgery?
   Yes, regular follow-ups with imaging are essential to monitor the aorta and ensure the repair remains intact.
10. Is aortic surgery covered by insurance?
    Many health insurance policies cover aortic surgery, including for international patients; however, it’s advisable to confirm with your provider.